Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
My mother got a blood transfusion...it perked her right up! The one doc said...with all the years of redundant medications...a clean flush of healthy blood can help. And it did!!
Good news on your mother's "new blood". My daughter sadly got very messed up with medications and during her recovery etc..she had a couple transfusions. Now she avoids even ibuprofen if she can. The great supplement I take cleans and thins the blood so I live with that support.
If he has had his blood tested, cbc and diff, including iron, and his numbers are good it is most likely depression. Some possible remedies.
1. A social life.
2. Exercise.
3. Alcohol.
He needs to change his diet to a NATURAL FOOD BASED diet. That is the #1 thing he needs to do. Everyone in this country is sick and opioid-addicted because they are not eating properly! Especially seniors. Go to an organic store and change his diet immediately. Then he needs to start exercising regularly. Basic things such as walks around the neighborhood and stretching for at least 10 minutes.
OP, just heard my fav Sat radio MD, Dr. Darrow, who says he's 68 and from his photo looks in 40-50's...he is forever talking about alternative healing and a lot about hormones for both men and women...I don't know what your dad has ever taken for management and anti aging and keeping vital but MOST take nothing as conventional medicine doesn't go there mostly.
Aging continues but we can work to age as gracefully as we can with HELP from supports. I've been taking a otc hormone for years and it has to be helping me at going on 80.
He needs to change his diet to a NATURAL FOOD BASED diet. That is the #1 thing he needs to do. Everyone in this country is sick and opioid-addicted because they are not eating properly! Especially seniors. Go to an organic store and change his diet immediately. Then he needs to start exercising regularly. Basic things such as walks around the neighborhood and stretching for at least 10 minutes.
He has probably been more active physically - and socially - than 90% plus of the population. Of course, in the last year he hasn't because he has spinal problems (can't be fixed)...basically it's all fusing together, so he has walking and balance problems.
He's the ultimate optimist and although he has always been active in most every way (works for SCORE, exercises, etc.), it's much harder to be now because they (mom and he) made the decision to stay in the condo (not move to a "community" where social stuff is set up)....
I think he would be happy even with the physical degradation if his head felt better. It's really hard to diagnose and treat depression in the elderly. My MIL was just in rehab and they sent in the head shrinker to talk to her.....
"Do you want to talk?"
"No"
"Do you have friends back at home that you socialize with"
"All my friends and family are dead".
(end of conversation).....
I can't see where there is any "norm" that a suffering older person is supposed to be happy most or all of the time. Life is Suffering and entire religions and world views are based on the fact that we all know what is going to happen to us (or have some idea)....
As far as diet, most of our entire family are vegetarian and have been so for decades. Dad eats OK...not perfect, but pretty well considering.
Some say that 86/87 isn't that old - well, considering average life span for males is less than 80, that is an interesting opinion to hold. Sure, SOME people have genetics and/or combinations of luck and circumstance that allow them to be fairly healthy in their mid-80's. But most people at that age are either no longer with us or not feeling ready to run a marathon.
My MIL is 96 and feels a lot better than my dad - both in the head and physically. My Mom - who was the person we expected to get sick first (smoker, bad eater, diet pills and who knows what else) has completely stabilized and she is the one holding up the two of them now...weird, since 25 years ago her breathing was bad (due to smoking). Those COPD drugs really worked.....
I think most of us - if we avoid an accident or major disease/illness, will face the days and months where we are basically waiting for the end to come in some way or another. I'm not saying to be scared of it - but being a child of a 60's my take is that if there is ANY way I can keep the head "happy", I will certainly do so.
I feel bad for my dad as I know what he is going through. I have had anxiety and panic disease decades ago and when one is in a "bad head", it's like that watched pot that never boils. That is, time actually goes slower so you suffer more.
Thanks for any and all advice above. As mentioned, he has done most things right. He's not addicted to any meds and is very light on meds in general. He stretches and does what he can in terms of exercise.
But he is declining quickly....with no particular disease making it happen.
I am hoping to get him ONE doc who is able to keep things simple and perhaps infuse him with needed vitamins or minerals and/or anything else found short in his blood tests. I was thinking that maybe oxygen might help (on occasion) to clear his head. He says he knows it's not cognitive decline because he remembers everything.....rather it is some kind of fog and depression (for lack of a better word) that settles in and won't go away.
I guess, in the end, the answer is the same for all of us. We each have to adjust our expectations to meet our capabilities....and perhaps plan for the End....even if we don't know when it is going to come.
Oh, one thing I failed to mention here. My parents are "super libertarian" in terms of bothering family and friends with their problem(s) or their health. They have seen too many people do this with poor results. They don't want us (3 kids) to come there or help them in any way. The other side of the same coin is that they have done largely what they wanted for their entire lives....having moved to Florida almost 30 years ago and had a great run there. Their joke...which is only partially a joke....is that they won't disturb us on a weekend if one of them passes away....rather they will call monday and say "BTW, Dad passed away Sat"...
The more I ponder this, the more I think the answer is in chemicals of some sort - but not your typical opiate/tranq/sleeping pill sort of thing. More along the lines of filling in all the potential shortages of vitamins and minerals and possibly even some anti-aging treatments (I actually know a "real" researcher who is responsible for a number of breakthroughs in this science)....but, even that would take some work in terms of my Dad getting to the appts, etc.
I will present all the options to him and see what happens.
He has probably been more active physically - and socially - than 90% plus of the population. Of course, in the last year he hasn't because he has spinal problems (can't be fixed)...basically it's all fusing together, so he has walking and balance problems.
He's the ultimate optimist and although he has always been active in most every way (works for SCORE, exercises, etc.), it's much harder to be now because they (mom and he) made the decision to stay in the condo (not move to a "community" where social stuff is set up)....
I think he would be happy even with the physical degradation if his head felt better. It's really hard to diagnose and treat depression in the elderly. My MIL was just in rehab and they sent in the head shrinker to talk to her.....
"Do you want to talk?"
"No"
"Do you have friends back at home that you socialize with"
"All my friends and family are dead".
(end of conversation).....
I can't see where there is any "norm" that a suffering older person is supposed to be happy most or all of the time. Life is Suffering and entire religions and world views are based on the fact that we all know what is going to happen to us (or have some idea)....
As far as diet, most of our entire family are vegetarian and have been so for decades. Dad eats OK...not perfect, but pretty well considering.
Some say that 86/87 isn't that old - well, considering average life span for males is less than 80, that is an interesting opinion to hold. Sure, SOME people have genetics and/or combinations of luck and circumstance that allow them to be fairly healthy in their mid-80's. But most people at that age are either no longer with us or not feeling ready to run a marathon.
My MIL is 96 and feels a lot better than my dad - both in the head and physically. My Mom - who was the person we expected to get sick first (smoker, bad eater, diet pills and who knows what else) has completely stabilized and she is the one holding up the two of them now...weird, since 25 years ago her breathing was bad (due to smoking). Those COPD drugs really worked.....
I think most of us - if we avoid an accident or major disease/illness, will face the days and months where we are basically waiting for the end to come in some way or another. I'm not saying to be scared of it - but being a child of a 60's my take is that if there is ANY way I can keep the head "happy", I will certainly do so.
I feel bad for my dad as I know what he is going through. I have had anxiety and panic disease decades ago and when one is in a "bad head", it's like that watched pot that never boils. That is, time actually goes slower so you suffer more.
Thanks for any and all advice above. As mentioned, he has done most things right. He's not addicted to any meds and is very light on meds in general. He stretches and does what he can in terms of exercise.
But he is declining quickly....with no particular disease making it happen.
I am hoping to get him ONE doc who is able to keep things simple and perhaps infuse him with needed vitamins or minerals and/or anything else found short in his blood tests. I was thinking that maybe oxygen might help (on occasion) to clear his head. He says he knows it's not cognitive decline because he remembers everything.....rather it is some kind of fog and depression (for lack of a better word) that settles in and won't go away.
I guess, in the end, the answer is the same for all of us. We each have to adjust our expectations to meet our capabilities....and perhaps plan for the End....even if we don't know when it is going to come.
Oh, one thing I failed to mention here. My parents are "super libertarian" in terms of bothering family and friends with their problem(s) or their health. They have seen too many people do this with poor results. They don't want us (3 kids) to come there or help them in any way. The other side of the same coin is that they have done largely what they wanted for their entire lives....having moved to Florida almost 30 years ago and had a great run there. Their joke...which is only partially a joke....is that they won't disturb us on a weekend if one of them passes away....rather they will call monday and say "BTW, Dad passed away Sat"...
The more I ponder this, the more I think the answer is in chemicals of some sort - but not your typical opiate/tranq/sleeping pill sort of thing. More along the lines of filling in all the potential shortages of vitamins and minerals and possibly even some anti-aging treatments (I actually know a "real" researcher who is responsible for a number of breakthroughs in this science)....but, even that would take some work in terms of my Dad getting to the appts, etc.
I will present all the options to him and see what happens.
I feel absolutely terrible for what your father is going through but from what you just described to me here, it sounds as if he's CHOSEN to be this way either subconsciously or by will. Most of the undiagnosable diseases in the world are manifestations of hatred of one's self or others, unforgiveness, insecurity, sorrow, or any other type of negative emotion or feeling of the soul or the mind over time that then poisons the body as a result!
Is he on an extremely low salt diet? I've read that elders do feel better if they eat some salt.
Is he doing any exercise? Even if it is hard at first, he could be walking on an indoor track a few days a week. We have some elders at our community gym who walk and sometimes do other exercises to stay mobile. I think exercise kerps physical strength up.
And I like the idea of having your father tested for depression.
He has probably been more active physically - and socially - than 90% plus of the population. Of course, in the last year he hasn't because he has spinal problems (can't be fixed)...basically it's all fusing together, so he has walking and balance problems.
He's the ultimate optimist and although he has always been active in most every way (works for SCORE, exercises, etc.), it's much harder to be now because they (mom and he) made the decision to stay in the condo (not move to a "community" where social stuff is set up)....
I think he would be happy even with the physical degradation if his head felt better. It's really hard to diagnose and treat depression in the elderly. My MIL was just in rehab and they sent in the head shrinker to talk to her.....
"Do you want to talk?"
"No"
"Do you have friends back at home that you socialize with"
"All my friends and family are dead".
(end of conversation).....
I can't see where there is any "norm" that a suffering older person is supposed to be happy most or all of the time. Life is Suffering and entire religions and world views are based on the fact that we all know what is going to happen to us (or have some idea)....
As far as diet, most of our entire family are vegetarian and have been so for decades. Dad eats OK...not perfect, but pretty well considering.
Some say that 86/87 isn't that old - well, considering average life span for males is less than 80, that is an interesting opinion to hold. Sure, SOME people have genetics and/or combinations of luck and circumstance that allow them to be fairly healthy in their mid-80's. But most people at that age are either no longer with us or not feeling ready to run a marathon.
My MIL is 96 and feels a lot better than my dad - both in the head and physically. My Mom - who was the person we expected to get sick first (smoker, bad eater, diet pills and who knows what else) has completely stabilized and she is the one holding up the two of them now...weird, since 25 years ago her breathing was bad (due to smoking). Those COPD drugs really worked.....
I think most of us - if we avoid an accident or major disease/illness, will face the days and months where we are basically waiting for the end to come in some way or another. I'm not saying to be scared of it - but being a child of a 60's my take is that if there is ANY way I can keep the head "happy", I will certainly do so.
I feel bad for my dad as I know what he is going through. I have had anxiety and panic disease decades ago and when one is in a "bad head", it's like that watched pot that never boils. That is, time actually goes slower so you suffer more.
Thanks for any and all advice above. As mentioned, he has done most things right. He's not addicted to any meds and is very light on meds in general. He stretches and does what he can in terms of exercise.
But he is declining quickly....with no particular disease making it happen.
I am hoping to get him ONE doc who is able to keep things simple and perhaps infuse him with needed vitamins or minerals and/or anything else found short in his blood tests. I was thinking that maybe oxygen might help (on occasion) to clear his head. He says he knows it's not cognitive decline because he remembers everything.....rather it is some kind of fog and depression (for lack of a better word) that settles in and won't go away.
I guess, in the end, the answer is the same for all of us. We each have to adjust our expectations to meet our capabilities....and perhaps plan for the End....even if we don't know when it is going to come.
Oh, one thing I failed to mention here. My parents are "super libertarian" in terms of bothering family and friends with their problem(s) or their health. They have seen too many people do this with poor results. They don't want us (3 kids) to come there or help them in any way. The other side of the same coin is that they have done largely what they wanted for their entire lives....having moved to Florida almost 30 years ago and had a great run there. Their joke...which is only partially a joke....is that they won't disturb us on a weekend if one of them passes away....rather they will call monday and say "BTW, Dad passed away Sat"...
The more I ponder this, the more I think the answer is in chemicals of some sort - but not your typical opiate/tranq/sleeping pill sort of thing. More along the lines of filling in all the potential shortages of vitamins and minerals and possibly even some anti-aging treatments (I actually know a "real" researcher who is responsible for a number of breakthroughs in this science)....but, even that would take some work in terms of my Dad getting to the appts, etc.
I will present all the options to him and see what happens.
The "one doc" he needs is a specialist in the care of the elderly: a geriatrician or gerontologist.
There are no proven "anti-aging treatments". If he is not deficient in any vitamins or minerals taking more is not going to help him, though a simple multivitamin and mineral product might be a good idea if his diet is not good. He can use a generic USP verified multi; it's not necessary to take every vitamin and mineral separately and spend a fortune on them.
If he is depressed then medication may help.
If you have not done so, please read some of the links on the frailty syndrome.
Is he on an extremely low salt diet? I've read that elders do feel better if they eat some salt.
Is he doing any exercise? Even if it is hard at first, he could be walking on an indoor track a few days a week. We have some elders at our community gym who walk and sometimes do other exercises to stay mobile. I think exercise kerps physical strength up.
And I like the idea of having your father tested for depression.
How is one tested for depression? One either says they are depressed or says they are not.
My issue and depression for 10 yrs was due to sluggish thyroid...has OP's father been taking thyroid support. Everyone's thyroid gets worn out.
My 90 yr old neighbor didn't want to take thyroid meds so she opted for about 7 yrs of acupuncture for thyroid support. She spent $1000's on acupuncture.
And I believe with aging we all become deficient in many areas.
I don't like to compare our bodies to cars but I think the OP even mentioned caring for an auto. My aging 22 yr old toyota served me good for 12 yrs and I chose not to put $1000's in it to keep it going in good running order. I got rid of it and will manage to get around to where I have to go by other means.
Last edited by jaminhealth; 10-28-2017 at 04:37 PM..
Some of the things you mention have effects we don't yet fully understand.
With discussions like this I always think of the scene in StarTrek where Dr Mcoy meets a woman going through dialysis and he gives her a little pill tpo fix her kidneys, givng his opinion of 20th century medicine, "What a bunch of Savages!"
None of us really know much about the operation of the human body yet. We are just beginning to learn and have to be more open to alternatives.
There are things that we do know about, and vitamins B12 and D are two of them. If his blood levels are normal, the symptoms OP's father has are not due to a deficiency and taking large doses as "supplements" will not help him.
Star Trek is fantasy.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
